The Highest Rated Specialty Eye Care Center In Orange County
What Our Patients are Saying
“Dr. Mai and the entire personnel are amazing! Extremely polite, kind and professional. In addition, I can now see 20/20!!! Thank you, thank you all. 🤗🤗””
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Franchezka
“Dr Mai and his team are awesome. They’re the best doing tests because, have the ultimate equipment with the last technology. And their customer service is unique “
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Rene J.
Seeing sudden flashes of light in your vision can be startling and unsettling. These visual disturbances, known as photopsia, are often described as streaks, sparks, or bursts of light. While some causes may be harmless, flashes should always be treated as an eye emergency and seen right away by an eye doctor to prevent possible loss of vision. Call us at (714) 942-1361
At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we are here to help you, offering same-day appointments and emergency care to ensure your vision and eye health are protected.
Is This an Emergency? What You Should Do Right Now
If you are experiencing unexplained flashes of light in your vision, treat it as a potential emergency and contact an eye doctor immediately. Flashes may indicate serious conditions, such as retinal detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Call us or visit our office right away if you notice:
- Flashes of light accompanied by a sudden increase in floaters (specks or strings in your vision).
- A shadow, curtain, or veil moving across your field of vision.
- Sudden or partial vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Flashes following an eye injury or trauma.
If you cannot reach an eye care professional promptly and symptoms are severe, such as a complete curtain over your vision or intense pain, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
First Steps to Take
- Stay Calm but Act Promptly: While not all flashes are caused by serious conditions, the potential for retinal detachment or tears makes immediate medical evaluation critical.
- Avoid Eye Strain: Minimize activities that require intense focus, such as reading or screen use, and avoid heavy lifting or sudden movements.
- Document Your Symptoms: Take note of when the flashes began, their frequency, and any associated symptoms (e.g., floaters, headaches, or vision changes). This information will help your doctor diagnose the underlying cause.
- Call Insight Vision Center Optometry Right Away: Our team in Orange County offers same-day emergency appointments to diagnose and treat your condition effectively.
Understanding Flashing Lights: What’s Happening Inside Your Eye
Flashing lights in vision typically occur when the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, is stimulated abnormally. The retina sends signals to your brain, which interprets them as light, even when no external light source is present. This phenomenon can have several causes, ranging from benign age-related changes to serious conditions requiring immediate treatment.
Why Immediate Attention Matters
Conditions like retinal detachment or retinal tears can escalate quickly, potentially resulting in permanent vision loss. Timely diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, often preventing irreversible damage.
What Causes Flashing Lights in Vision?
Retinal Detachment or Tears
The most serious cause of flashing lights, retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. This disrupts its ability to send visual signals to the brain, often leading to symptoms such as:
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Vitreous Shrinkage or Detachment
As part of the aging process, the vitreous—a gel-like substance inside the eye—shrinks and may pull on the retina, causing flashes. This is common in individuals over 50 and is usually harmless. However, in some cases, the pulling can create retinal tears or detachment, necessitating urgent care.
Eye Trauma or Injury
A blow to the eye or head can stimulate the retina, causing flashes of light. While this may be temporary, persistent flashes after trauma could indicate retinal damage or detachment.
Migraines with Aura
Flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or shimmering visual disturbances often occur before a migraine headache. These flashes, caused by unusual electrical activity in the brain, typically resolve within 20 minutes and are not related to the retina.
Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored
- Sudden Appearance of Floaters: Especially when numerous or accompanied by flashes.
- Curtain or Shadow Across Vision: A hallmark of retinal detachment.
- Persistent Flashes in Peripheral Vision: Often associated with retinal issues.
- Severe Headache or Neurological Symptoms: Such as numbness or difficulty speaking, which may indicate a migraine or stroke.
Diagnosis: What to Expect During Your Eye Exam
When you visit Insight Vision Center Optometry, we will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms. Our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to identify even subtle signs of retinal damage.
Diagnostic Steps
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam
Allows us to examine the retina and vitreous for signs of tears, detachment, or abnormalities.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Produces high-resolution images of the retina, helping us detect structural changes.
Visual Field Testing
To evaluate peripheral vision loss.
Our goal is to identify the root cause of your symptoms quickly and provide effective treatment to protect your vision.
Treatment Options for Flashing Lights
The treatment plan depends on the underlying cause of the flashes. At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we provide a range of solutions tailored to your needs:
For Retinal Tears or Detachment
- Laser Surgery: Creates scar tissue to seal retinal tears and prevent detachment.
- Vitrectomy: Removes the vitreous gel and repairs the retina.
- Scleral Buckling: A procedure where a silicone band is placed around the eye to secure the retina.
For Vitreous Detachment
- Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments to ensure the condition does not progress to retinal detachment.
For Migraines
- Medications like triptans or preventive treatments to manage migraines.
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing stress and improving sleep hygiene.
For Eye Trauma
- Emergency care to assess and treat any retinal damage or detachment caused by the injury.
Preventing Vision Loss: Steps You Can Take
1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Annual comprehensive eye exams are crucial for detecting early signs of retinal issues, especially if you are over 50 or have high myopia.
2. Manage Underlying Health Conditions
3. Protect Your Eyes
Wear protective eye-wear during sports or high-risk activities to avoid trauma-related flashes.
Why Choose Insight Vision Center Optometry
Located in the heart of Orange County, Insight Vision Center Optometry is your trusted partner in eye health. Our state-of-the-art facility and highly trained team offer comprehensive care for all your vision concerns. Whether you need emergency eye care or routine exams, we are here to protect your sight.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Same-day emergency appointments for urgent eye issues.
- Advanced diagnostic technology for accurate assessments.
- A compassionate team dedicated to preserving your vision.
Contact Us for Emergency Eye Care In Orange County
If you are experiencing flashing lights or other vision changes, don’t wait. Early intervention can save your sight. Call us at (714) 942-1361 to schedule an emergency appointment or book online to schedule an eye exam.
Visit our Costa Mesa office serving the surrounding communities including Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Orange, and all of Orange County.
At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we are committed to your eye health and clarity of vision. Let us help you see the world clearly and confidently. Your vision is our priority.
Call us at (714) 942-1361 to book your child’s appointment, or schedule online.
